Convert between various density units instantly. From kilograms per cubic meter to grams per cubic centimeter, pounds per cubic foot to pounds per gallon - essential for chemistry, physics, and engineering applications.
Formula: g/cm³ = kg/m³ ÷ 1,000
Formula: kg/m³ = g/cm³ × 1,000
Formula: lb/ft³ = kg/m³ × 0.062428
Formula: kg/m³ = lb/ft³ ÷ 0.062428
Formula: lb/gal = kg/m³ × 0.0083454
Formula: kg/m³ = lb/gal ÷ 0.0083454
Formula: lb/ft³ = g/cm³ × 62.428
Formula: g/cm³ = lb/ft³ ÷ 62.428
Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is contained within a given volume. It is crucial for identifying substances, predicting buoyancy, designing structures, and countless other applications in science, engineering, and industry. Understanding density units and their conversions is essential for anyone working with materials, fluids, or physical calculations. This professional density converter provides instant, accurate conversions between all commonly used density measurement units.
Kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) is the SI unit of density. It represents how many kilograms of a substance fit within one cubic meter of volume. Water at 4°C has a density of approximately 1,000 kg/m³, making it a convenient reference point. Air at sea level has a density of about 1.2 kg/m³, while iron measures around 7,870 kg/m³. This unit is preferred in scientific research and international engineering because it connects directly to other SI units for straightforward calculations.
Grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) is the preferred density unit in chemistry and laboratory settings. It equals exactly 1,000 kg/m³, so water has a density of 1.0 g/cm³. This convenient relationship makes g/cm³ intuitive for many calculations. Diamond has a density of 3.5 g/cm³, gold measures 19.3 g/cm³, and osmium, the densest naturally occurring element, reaches 22.6 g/cm³. The g/cm³ unit is particularly useful because many common substances have densities between 0.5 and 20 in these units.
Pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) is the standard density unit in American construction, building materials, and structural engineering. Concrete typically has a density of 150 lb/ft³, while wood ranges from 25 to 50 lb/ft³ depending on species. Water measures about 62.4 lb/ft³. Understanding density in lb/ft³ is essential for load calculations, material selection, and transportation logistics in countries using Imperial units. Insulation materials are often specified by their very low densities in this unit.
Pounds per gallon (lb/gal) is commonly used for liquid density in the United States, particularly in the petroleum, chemical, and beverage industries. Water has a density of about 8.34 lb/gal (US gallon). Gasoline is lighter at approximately 6.1 lb/gal, while motor oil ranges from 7.5 to 8.0 lb/gal. This unit is practical for calculating the weight of liquid shipments, tank capacities, and fuel consumption. Note that US and Imperial gallons differ, so specifications should clarify which gallon is used.